Hot Date?

“Why do you have a straightener?” fellow workplace bathroom goers have asked me many times since moving out of my apartment. I no longer live close enough to my office to fix myself at home between work and after-work events, so I’ve spent lunch breaks transforming one of the office washrooms into a pop-up hair salon.

“I have plans tonight, and there is no way I’m going out in public with my hair looking like this,” I typically answer while dramatically pointing to my disastrous strands.

“You’re already at work,” they usually say to remind me that I am in public.

“Ladies, please,” I laugh, “work isn’t ‘public.’”

***

As was always the case with school, I put zero effort into my appearance at work. If a co-worker were to ever develop feelings for me, I can rest assured that he likes me for me, because he def isn’t be falling for my haggard office hair. When it comes down to an extra few minutes of sleep or prettying up, I choose sleep. Hands down. Every time. I already wake up before the crack of dawn to go to the gym on weekday mornings, okay? That alone makes me a contender for a gold fucking medal. Who the hell is making time to workout and look presentable before 9 am? Ef you, corporate world, my skirts and dresses are reserved for clubs and occasions.

Today was an exception. I looked hot. I rocked a fitted white V-neck sweater with a grey pencil skirt and black heels, a combination that I’ve never worn – and I don’t just mean at the office. My hair was silky straight from yesterday evening because I had used my good conditioner, and I even threw on some eyeliner and mascara – a workday rarity – because I figured I might as well go all in. I doubled my workout on Tuesday, knowing that I’d be out late Wednesday night, so I didn’t have to go to the gym this morning, giving me more time than usual to get ready. Full disclosure: I shaved my legs before going out last night, so I was taking advantage today.

You know those awesome days that you leave the house confidently knowing you look exceptionally good? It was one of those. I could have scored Prince Charming today – easy. At work, nearly everyone I passed complimented me by asking if I have a hot date tonight, making me feel as flawless as Beyoncé. Nope, no hot date; just a chick bringing it because she felt like it.